Boys soccer: Top 15 preseason poll

Outlook: Loaded with talented players, the Dons will be gunning for their first conference crown since 2005. Loyola will be led by brothers Michael and Jeremy DeGraffenreidt, both of whom already committed to national power Louisville.

2. McDonogh

Coach: Steve Nichols

Last season: 19-2-1, No. 1

Postseason: MIAA A Conference champion

Outlook: The Eagles will remain in the hunt for a second consecutive title and seventh overall. Four-year starter Matt Sanchez returns in goal, Matt Linardi will lead the offense and George Campbell will control the midfield.

3. Archbishop Curley

Coach: Barry Stitz

Last season: 17-4-1, No. 4

Postseason: MIAA A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook: With six returning starters, the Friars look to win their first conference championship since 2006. Curley will be led by Mike Sauers (12 goals, eight assists in 2011), Eric Spalt (two goals, five assists) and senior goalie Jake Ossie, who had six shutouts last season.

4. Gilman

Coach: Jon Seal

Last season: 18-4-1, No. 2

Postseason: MIAA A Conference runner-up

Outlook: The Greyhounds, who won the title in 2010, will remain competitive, despite losing one of the nation's top goalies, Andrew Harris, to graduation. Returning are junior defender and Division I-recruit Sam Wancowicz, and midfielders Anthony Kim and Riley DeSmit.

Outlook: The Gaels will look to rebound this season with seven returning starters. Mount St. Joseph will be led by four-year varsity player and captain Drew Smith, Carter Manley, a U.S. National team pool player, and Danny Kaiser.

7. River Hill

Coach: Matt Shagogue

Last season: 11-5, No. 14

Postseason: 3A East region second round

Outlook: Led by Donovan Pines, Jake Turney, Zach Riso and Kevin Kim, the Hawks will look to improve on last year's early postseason exit. River Hill returns six starters from that team.

8. St. Paul 's

Coach: Daniel Skelton

Last season: 19-4-1, No. 6

Postseason: MIAA B Conference champion

Outlook: With nine players returning, including six starters, the Crusaders are the favorite to win the MIAA B Conference again. St. Paul 's will be led by junior Iliyas Mirza, sophomore Juwan Kearson and senior captain Gavin Norris.

9. South Carroll

Coach: Tim Novotny

Last season: 13-2, No. 9

Postseason: 2A state semifinalist

Outlook: The Cavaliers welcome back six starters from last year's team. South Carroll will be led by midfielders Philip Breno (seven goals, five assists) and Bobby Spear (three goals, two assists).

10. Catonsville

Coach: Vic Vega

Last season: 11-3, unranked

Postseason: 4A North region second round

Outlook: The Comets have 12 returning players, including six starters. Catonsville will be led by All-Metro first-team pick Jose Moran (16 goals, five assists) and goalkeeper Kevin Sheppard, an All-County first-team choice in 2011.

11. Perry Hall

Coach: Pete Eibner

Last season: 8-7-3, No. 12

Postseason: 4A state semifinalist

Outlook: The Gators will be led by senior striker Robert Allman, who had seven goals and six assists last year. Eibner also expects a big season from junior goalie Austin Kroll, a three-year varsity player.

12. Broadneck

Coach: Sean Tettemer

Last season: 11-5-1, unranked

Postseason: 4A East region semifinalist

Outlook: Four-year varsity players David Keen, who moved to forward from left back, and Luke Dellorso will look to carry the Bruins on a deep playoff run in the tough Class 4A East region.

13. Dulaney

Coach: Jerry Tana

Last season: 11-5, unranked

Postseason: 4A North region second round

Outlook: The Lions return seven starters, including their entire defense and goalkeeper. Dulaney will be led by Brady White (seven goals, five assists in 2011) and captain Robbie Mahey.

14. C. Milton Wright

Coach: Joe Davis

Last season: 8-8, unranked

Postseason: 3A North region first round

Outlook: The Mustangs bring back 11 players, including seven starters, from a team that won the UCBAC championship last season. C. Milton Wright's top players include forward Stephan Olaya and defender Dakota Stern.

15. Manchester Valley

Coach: Todd Hicks

Last season: 9-7, No. 15

Postseason: 1A state semifinalist

Outlook: Drew Rose, a Division I prospect, Scott Meredith and Isiah Dorsey are among the Mavericks looking for another run at a state championship. Dorsey had four goals and two assists as a freshman last year.